NEW YORK (AP) — Microsoft and Meta Platforms are driving Wall Street higher on Thursday after profits for the Big Tech companies at the start of the year turned out to be even bigger than analysts expected.

U.S. technology-related stocks including many involved in artificial intelligence rose sharply on Thursday following stronger-than-expected results from Microsoft and Meta Platforms, while investors awaited results from Apple and Amazon.

U.S. equities jumped at midday, as tech stocks rallied following strong earnings reports from Microsoft and Meta Platforms.